Earnings Preview: General Electric

General Electric (NYSE:GE) is expected to report Q2 earnings on Friday, July 20 before the market open with a conference call scheduled for 8:30 am ET.

Guidance

Analysts are looking for EPS of 37c on revenue of $36.8B. The consensus range is 37c-38c for EPS, and $35.75B-$37.52B for revenue, according to First Call. General Electric reported positive Q1 results, narrowly beating EPS and revenue estimates. On the company's Q1 report, management said leading indicators remain positive, and that it was on track for double-digit earnings growth in Industrial and GE Capital. It was also noted that margin targets for FY12 would be achieved. Sentiment on the Street has been mixed over the past three months. Since Q1 earnings were released, the shares have traded in a very narrow range, but did manage to make a fresh 52-week high of $21.00 in late June. However, they have rallied approximately 34% since November of last year. After such a sharp move, investors will want to see GE exceed expectations before committing further.